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Who Will Join Luke Littler and Luke Humphries and Make The 2026 Premier League Darts Line-Up?

Paul Kelly Written by Sports EditorPaul Kelly
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Luke Humphries Wins 2025 Premier League Darts, Seals Triple Crown

The 2026 Premier League Darts tournament is fast approaching, with several players hoping to make the Premier League line-up for the first time.

With Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen guaranteed three of the eight spots, SportsCasting have taken a look at some other possible players who could make the cut.

Premier League Line-Up For 2026 Tournament Revealed In Less Than Two Months

With the World Darts Championship fast approaching, the 2026 Premier League Darts line-up reveal isn’t too far away.

The Premier League line-up is usually announced within a couple of weeks of the World Darts Championship conclusion, with several big names in danger of missing out on selection for next year.

The top four in the official PDC Order of Merit automatically qualify for the 16-week long league format tournament, meaning Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen are guaranteed a spot in the eight-man line-up.

Alongside these three world class players will be another five stars from the world of darts, with various different players in contention for a place in the official Premier League Darts line-up for 2026.

Reigning world champion and world number one Littler will be the first name in the Premier League next year. Nothing else needs said other than the fact the 18-year-old darting phenom is a certain inclusion.

After losing the Grand Slam of Darts Final to Littler, Humphries revealed he never felt like world number one, but he is a shoe-in for the Premier League next year.

Although he has struggled somewhat this past year or two, ‘MVG’ is also guaranteed a place in the line-up. The Dutchman remains one of the biggest names in the sport, and is still capable of beating anyone on his day.

Who Could Make The 2026 Premier League Line-Up Alongside Littler, Humphries and van Gerwen?

Below are eight possible candidates who could join Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen in the 2026 Premier League Darts line-up.

Gerwyn Price

Although not guaranteed a spot in the 2026 Premier League, there is a high chance that Gerwyn Price will make the cut.

The Welshman has shown signs of regaining his best form of late, and looks nailed on for a spot in the Premier League next year barring a disaster at the World Darts Championship.

Stephen Bunting

Should he remain at #4 in the official PDC Order of Merit, Stephen Bunting will secure his spot in the Premier League Darts line-up for the third time and second consecutive year.

Although Bunting had a torrid time in the Premier league earlier this year, he has had success on the World Series, Euro and Pro Tour this year, which has helped him consolidate his world ranking.

Bunting joined Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen as only the third player in history to win two events on the European Tour, two World Series of Darts events and two Players Championship titles in a single year.

Gian van Veen

Gian van Veen won his first PDC major title in 2025, and is now up to eighth in the latest Order of Merit. Although unconfirmed, it looks highly likely that the Dutchman will make the Premier League cut for the first time next year.

Van Veen has been an ever-present at the top of the darts power rankings for the entirety of the year, showing world class darts and bundles of consistency over the course of the past 12 months.

Having claimed his first major with victory at the European Darts Championship, it looks likely that ‘GVV’ will make the Premier League for the first time.

Josh Rock

Josh Rock has enjoyed his most successful year as a professional darts player in 2025, despite not winning any majors.

The Northern Irishman has reached several finals on the World Series of Darts and European Tour, but was unable to get over the line in any. However, he did win multiple Players Championship titles and has made his way into the top 10 of the official PDC Order of merit.

Rock shared his drastic weight loss journey at the Grand Slam of Darts, where he was beaten by fellow youngster Luke Littler in the quarter-finals. It is clear that on his day ‘Rocky’ can compete with the world’s best, and he may well get the nod next year for a Premier League spot.

Nathan Aspinall

Nathan Aspinall has dropped to 21st in the PDC Order of Merit and has had a poor year by his usual high standards in 2025.

That being said, the Englishman won three times on the European Tour this year and also made it to the Premier League play-offs with a top four finish in the league format over the 16-weeks.

‘The Asp’ is once again a contender for a place in the Premier League Darts line-up next year, but he will need a strong showing at the World Darts Championship if he is to get the nod ahead of some of his peers.

Danny Noppert

Having risen to #7 in the official PDC Order of Merit, Danny Noppert has never been in a stronger position when it comes to selection for the Premier League.

The Dutchman is of course a major winner having won the UK Open back in 2022, but he is also widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers week in, week out on the darting circuit.

Although ‘The Freeze’ hasn’t won anything this year, he did reach the semi-finals of four majors. Noppert made the final four at the World Grand Prix, Masters, Grand Slam and European Championship, which has helped strengthen his case for a spot in the eight-man Premier League line-up.

Jonny Clayton

Some fans have felt that 2025 has been a poor year for former Premier League winner Jonny Clayton. However, this most definitely hasn’t been the case whatsoever.

The Welshman has reaches several finals and semi-finals this calendar year, despite not getting over the finish line in pole position. Clayton reached the final of the World Masters and World Cup of Darts, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the UK Open, World Matchplay and World Grand Prix.

‘The Ferret’ is an entertainer and is a capable player on his day, so inclusion in the Premier League could be on the cards once again.

That being said, in order to secure a Premier League spot, he will likely have to overtake Stephen Bunting and secure a world ranking of fourth prior to the official selection process being nailed down.

Chris Dobey

Chris Dobey has made the Premier league line-up the past two years, but it looks like he is struggling for a spot in this year’s tournament unless he has a strong showing at the Ally Pally during the World Darts Championship.

‘Hollywood’ hasn’t had the strongest of years in 2025, which could result in his omission from the Premier League line-up next year.

The Newcastle man is of course in with a chance, but will be hoping for a favourable selection if he is to make it into the official 2026 Premier League Darts line-up.

Paul Kelly Written by Sports EditorPaul Kelly
Paul has worked in the sports journalism industry for several years now, specialising in boxing, MMA, golf and darts. This includes writing breaking news stories, in-depth features, predictions and more. Paul regularly attends live sporting events as both a journalist and as a fan, further adding to his expertise in his specialist sports. Paul is a Director at YouTube channel ESBR Boxing, as well as featuring regularly at BBC Sport NI. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.
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